​What is PrEP?Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is when people at risk for HIV take daily medicine to prevent HIV. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. When taken daily, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV from sex or injection drug use. PrEP is much less effective when it is not taken consistently.Who should take PrEP?You're learning about PrEP but not sure if PrEP is right for you? Here are some questions you might ask yourself: Do I know the HIV status of my partner(s)? Is my partner(s) HIV positive? Have I had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months? Do I always use a condom? Do I or my partner(s) use needles to inject drugs or use straws to snort drugs?

If you are sexually active, HIV negative, and you're ready to take control of your sexual health or you answered Yes to any of the questions above, then PrEP is for you and now is the time! We're here to help you take control.

​Why take PrEP?Studies have shown that PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken daily. Among people who inject drugs, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by at least 74% when taken daily.In 2020, Columbia CARES began PrEP Navigation as an HIVprevention option for our community. A PrEP Navigator provides linkage coordination, support and services to HIV negative individuals who need assistance in accessing and remaining in PrEP care.​For more information on PrEP and how you can get a prescription visit www.ccprepnow.org, or contact one of our PrEP Navigators:Carman Brown, PrEP Navigatorcarmanbrown@columbiacares.org931.982.4454

Columbia CARES is located at 1202 South James Campbell Blvd., Suite 8B, Columbia, TN 38401 800.961.5332